A Framework for Supporting, Integrating and Nurturing Practice Research

Practice Research Framework

A Framework for Supporting, Integrating and Nurturing Practice Research sets out a shared approach to recognising, enabling and strengthening practice research within higher education.

Practice research is a mode of inquiry that incorporates, reflects upon and embodies practice as part of the research process and/or its outputs, leading to new insights that are effectively shared. It is increasingly visible across disciplines and is central to innovation, engagement, and the translation of research into real‑world impact.

This framework provides a clear articulation of the value of practice research, identifies areas where current systems can better support it, and outlines practical steps to unlock its full potential.

Development of the framework

The framework was developed through the Research Culture Northern Ireland (RCNI) project. Its development was informed by surveys, focus groups and themed workshops with practice researchers across both institutions.

A cross-institutional Practice Research Steering Group, representing a range of disciplines and career stages, guided the work to ensure the framework reflects both lived research experience and wider institutional and policy contexts.

What the framework covers

The framework:

• sets out a definition of practice research

• highlights the distinctive characteristics and strengths of practice‑based inquiry

• identifies structural and cultural barriers that can limit its effectiveness

• aligns practice research with wider policy, funding and assessment priorities

• provides guidance to support researchers, supervisors and institutions

• a roadmap for change

It is intended as a practical, enabling document for anyone involved in developing, supporting or assessing practice research.

The roadmap for change

A central element of the framework is a Roadmap for Change, which outlines short‑, medium‑ and longer‑term actions to strengthen the environment for practice research.

The roadmap focuses on:

• improving recognition and shared understanding of practice research

• strengthening training, guidance and supervisory support

• enhancing infrastructure for multimodal and non‑text research outputs

• supporting confident engagement with assessment and evaluation processes

• fostering collaboration across disciplines, institutions and sectors

The roadmap recognises that meaningful progress requires collective action across the research ecosystem and is designed to support institutions, funders and partners in working together to create the right conditions for practice research to thrive.